Highly experienced recruiter Neville Stibbard has joined the Western Bulldogs’ football recruitment team as a consultant.

The newly appointed role will have Stibbard focus on identifying talent in the northern states, and also potential recruits from alternative sports both nationally and abroad.

Stibbard played a pivotal role as a consultant for the AFL in the initial drafting and list modelling stages of both expansion clubs, the Giants and Gold Coast Suns and will officially commence his new role in April.

The former Head of Recruiting at GWS was also a key figure in the AIS/AFL Academy squad selection process and headed the recruitment team at North Melbourne for over 16 years.

Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple said Stibbard’s vast experience will add a different dynamic to his team, particularly his work with the expansion teams.

“Neville has almost three decades of experience in the industry, and will  bring with him a unique skill-set acquired through successful periods with North Melbourne, Gold Coast and GWS,” Dalrymple said.

“Neville will effectively complement our existing staff  and will broaden our recruitment scope —  we are thrilled to have someone of his ilk join our team.”